Let me out!
December 6, 2023 4:07 PM Subscribe
I'm facing challenges with my art/music studio space due to noise from other tenants in the building, limiting my usage to just a few hours weekly. I'm considering discussing with my landlord about either reducing my rent or letting me out of my lease.
Details:
I'm in the Midwest, paying $500 for a 1000 sq ft basement studio, which is more space than I need, but it was the only place I could find that met my needs. I leased it because I thought it would be a relatively quiet place.
The studio shares a wall with a church that holds 3 services weekly + bonus surprise meetings on some Saturdays (I was originally told that they met only twice a week; Sundays and Wednesdays), creating significant noise that even noise-cancelling headphones can't tackle. A tutoring center above adds to the disturbance during weekdays. From 9am-5:30pm, there are children running, jumping, and dropping things that literally shakes some of the objects in my studio. Neither tenants are being overly noisy, I just assume there is little to no insulation between the floors/walls.
As a creative person, I thrive in a relatively quiet environment, and as a human paying $500 for a space, I want to be able to use it without having to wear headphones all the time. However, I'm currently limited to working only two days a week and occasionally on Saturdays. It's gotten to a point where I don't even want to go to my studio anymore.
I've been in this space since August on a year-long lease. I was aware of some church services but not all, and I didn't anticipate the extent of noise from the tutoring center.
I've found another potential space that's quieter and better located, with a slight increase in cost.
How should I approach my landlord about renegotiating my lease terms or seeking a rent reduction due to these issues?
Details:
I'm in the Midwest, paying $500 for a 1000 sq ft basement studio, which is more space than I need, but it was the only place I could find that met my needs. I leased it because I thought it would be a relatively quiet place.
The studio shares a wall with a church that holds 3 services weekly + bonus surprise meetings on some Saturdays (I was originally told that they met only twice a week; Sundays and Wednesdays), creating significant noise that even noise-cancelling headphones can't tackle. A tutoring center above adds to the disturbance during weekdays. From 9am-5:30pm, there are children running, jumping, and dropping things that literally shakes some of the objects in my studio. Neither tenants are being overly noisy, I just assume there is little to no insulation between the floors/walls.
As a creative person, I thrive in a relatively quiet environment, and as a human paying $500 for a space, I want to be able to use it without having to wear headphones all the time. However, I'm currently limited to working only two days a week and occasionally on Saturdays. It's gotten to a point where I don't even want to go to my studio anymore.
I've been in this space since August on a year-long lease. I was aware of some church services but not all, and I didn't anticipate the extent of noise from the tutoring center.
I've found another potential space that's quieter and better located, with a slight increase in cost.
How should I approach my landlord about renegotiating my lease terms or seeking a rent reduction due to these issues?
In a residential lease you would be entitled to quiet enjoyment, which you currently aren't getting. Would be good to check out rules regarding commercial leases.
posted by brookeb at 6:28 PM on December 6, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by brookeb at 6:28 PM on December 6, 2023 [2 favorites]
Seconding meta hawk - if you find them a new tenant that should smooth/simplify the process of breaking your lease.
posted by zenon at 8:38 PM on December 6, 2023
posted by zenon at 8:38 PM on December 6, 2023
Thirding the sentiment that this just turned out not to be the right space for your needs, regardless of price. Speaking from experience, a sound sensitivity doesn’t know or care what things cost.
posted by D.Billy at 8:18 AM on December 7, 2023
posted by D.Billy at 8:18 AM on December 7, 2023
Check your lease -- my studio includes a clause about noise that would be a basis for me asking to get out. I'm not saying I would be successful, just that it would help me make the request.
posted by OrangeDisk at 1:20 PM on December 7, 2023
posted by OrangeDisk at 1:20 PM on December 7, 2023
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It can't hurt to ask. There might be a fee for early termination and/or you would be responsible for rent until they can find a new tenant.
Question: how easy will it be for the landlord to find a new tenant? Would it be practice for you to try to find someone? If you show up with a ready to sign tenant the landlord should (not guaranteed but should) be willing to let them take over the lease.
posted by metahawk at 4:27 PM on December 6, 2023 [6 favorites]